Caregivers’ Perspectives on Service Provision in Augmentative and Alternative Communication: A Systematic Literature Review

Abstract

Alternative and augmentative communication (AAC) services are essential to improving communication skills in children with complex communication needs (CCN). Communication through whatever means necessary is essential for one to relate to the world and the people in it. By providing children with complex communication needs with alternative and augmentative communication services, they can communicate with caregivers, friends, and the public. Caregivers are key stakeholders in the process. As a result, a systematic literature review was conducted from 1985 to 2022 to determine caregivers’ perspectives on AAC service provision and if there were differences during assessment or identification process (pre-service), during the implementation of services (during), and during the follow-up (post-service). A total of seven studies met the inclusion criteria. Studies were thematically coded into seven overarching themes based on the findings from each included study. Results are discussed based on the timing of the service provision. Implications and future practical and research directions are outlined. This literature review found that caregivers acknowledged challenges getting involved in the initial AAC process, finding an appropriate focus for their child’s AAC interventions, promoting access and inclusion in educational settings and the community, overcoming barriers inhibiting service provision, and collaborating with service providers. These findings are particularly important for children with CCN because, to engage in the world effectively and appropriately, children and caregivers need to be equipped with all possible tools to successfully communicate. Keywords: alternative and augmentative communication, AAC, complex communication needs, CCN, caregiver, families, and perspectives.